Manda Bay Beach Resort, near Lamu, Kenya.

Dhow Safaris

One of the best ways to explore this incredible archipelago is under sail on Utamaduni, our beautiful 62 foot sailing dhow. Utamaduni is a Kiswahili word meaning tradition or culture. We operate the boat from November through to April.

Utamaduni was built by Lamu’s master-boat builders in the time-honoured style of the East African coast. She is one of the two biggest dhows now operating on the Kenyan coast and has the largest sail of any dhow in Kenya.

She has three spacious guest cabins below deck, a traditional outdoor toilet and fresh water shower. Guests sleep under the stars on the deck at night in comfortable bedrooms.

Utamaduni carries a full compliment of eight experienced crew who operate the ship under sail through waters which were opened to world trade by the invention of the dhow and its unique lateen rig.

The dhow often motors for lunch excursions to the snorkelling site or set sail in the evening taking guests in-time for dinner at the lodge.

Utamaduni is fully-equipped with navigation and communication equipment including a satellite telephone and all the necessary safety measures. She has a large diesel engine, a generator, deep freeze, fridge and all the comforts of a modern day cruiser but no air conditioning.